Combined type-writer and telegraph-transmitter.



N0. 784,858.v PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

'0. H. HEPINSTALL.

COMBINED TYPE WRITER AND TELEGRAPH TRANSMITTER. APPLICATION FILED PEB.1, 1904.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

.NO- 784,858. PATENTED 14, 1905.

G. H. HEPINSTALL.

COMBINED TYPE WRITER AND TELEGRAPH TRANSMITTER.

APPLIUATION EILEDIEB. 1, 1904.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PATENTED MAR. 14, 1905.

C. H. HEPINSTLL. v GMBINED TYPE WRITER AND TELEGRAPH TRANSMITTER.

APPLIUATION FILED FEB. 1, 1904.

SBHBETS-SHEET 3.

Wre/ossa; 5M,

Patented March 14, 1905,

PATENT OEEICE.

CYRUS H. HEPINSTALL, OF ST. THOMAS, CANADA.

COMBINED TYPE-WRITER AND TELEGRAPH-TRANSMITTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 784,858, dated March14, 1905 Application filed February l, 1904. Serial No. 191.601.

Tb aM w/wm, t Netty concern.'

Be it known that I, CYRUs H. HEPINSTALL, a subject of the King of GreatBritain, residing at St. Thomas, in the Province of Ontario and Dominionof Canada, have invented cerand transmitting-of messages.

It is the object of the present invention to obtain a construction inwhich the electric transmitting mechanism is adapted for use inconnection with a type-writer of usual construction, which may bequickly engaged or disengaged therefrom.

It is a further object to provide means for throwing the transmitter inor out of connection while still in engagement with the typewriter andfor simultaneously closing the telegraph-circuit, so that messages maybe received and recorded on the type-writer.

The invention consists in the construction as hereinafter set forth.-

In the drawings', Figure l is a longitudinal section through theinstrument. Fig. 2 is a sectional perspective view thereof. Fig. 3 is aperspective view of the base and the adjustable supporting-frame for thetransmitting mechanism. Fig. 4 is a section illustrating the adjustmentfor the universal contact. Fig. 5 is a section through one of theinterrupted contact members. Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view on line 66 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is adetail view, partly in section, of thedashpot-adjusting means referred to hereinafter.

A is' a suitable base, in which is arranged the mechanism constitutingthe electric transmitter. As shown, this base is in the form of a ringand is provided at its upper edge with guides B and supporting-lugs Cfor the engagement of the type-writer base. The transmitting mechanismcomprises a series of key-levers D, corresponding in number to thenumber of characters or distinct signals to be transmitted. Each ofthese keys has connected therewith an upwardly-eXtending stem E,

which is arranged to extend into the path of the corresponding key onthe type-writer. Thus the depression of a type-writer key is adapted tosimultaneously actuate the corresponding key D to move the samedownward.

Each of the keys D carries an interrupted contact member F, which in themovement of the key is caused to travel over acoperating contact G. Thelatter is in thc form of a universal bar which is common to all of theinterrupted contacts and is yieldingly pressed thereagainst.

The contacts F are preferably formed, as shown, of metallic cylinders a,which have formed therein grooves separating the cylinder into a seriesof rings c, which vary in width and in number according to theparticular signalto be transmitted. The grooves in these cylinders arelilled with insulating material, and the surface is then polished, so asto present a continuous bearing for the cooperating' contact G. The endsof the cylinder t are preferably tapered to a point and are engaged withsockets d, formed in a spring fork or bifurcation e upon the lever D,the arrangement being such that the contacts F may be engaged ordisengaged from the bifu rcation of the lever or may be rotatablyadjusted while in engagement.

The levers D are pivoted at their rear ends to a common fulcrum-bar H,which is supported on a frame I. The latter is pivotally secured uponthe cross-bar J, supported in bearings in the base A. The frame I isalso provided at its forward end with the guides K for each of thelevers D. L is a universal bar which extends transversely beneathA allof the levers D. rThis bar is secured to a rock-frame L', which ispivoted, preferably, upon the fulcrum-bar H and is normally pressedupward against the keys by the tension of a spring' M, connected to anextension L2 beyond the fulcrum. This universal bar thus serves tonormally support the keys D, and if any one of the latter is depressedthe universal bar, actuated by the tension of the spring M, will returnthe same. Each of the keys D is, however, provided with the additionalsupporting means of a spring N, which serves to hold it in normalposition when the universal bar is depressed by the actuation of anotherkey.

The bar G, which forms the common contact for cooperating with each ofthe interrupted -contacts F, is preferably connected by rock-arms G withsupporting-pivots O.

G2 is an arm projecting forward from the arms G and having alaterally-extending pin G3, which extends into the path of an adjustablestop P on the frame A.

Q is a spring connected with the arm G2 and serving to rock the arm G,so as to yieldingly press the universal contact-bar G against theinterrupted contacts F, the movement being limited by the stop P.

R is an arm which is pivoted upon the fulcrum-bar H, adjacent to theframe L of the universal bar L. This arm carries at its free end amovable contact R', which is arranged between a stationary contact S andan adjustable stop S. The adjacent faces of the arm R and the frame Lare held in frictional contact, preferably by a spring S2, with theresult that whenever the universal bar is depressed by the actuation ofone of the keys D it will cause the rocking of the frame L, the initialmovement of which is transmitted, through frictional contact, to therock-arm R. This will cause said rock-arm to be lifted slightly, so asto separate its contact R from the cooperating stationary contact S. Afurther movement of the arm R and contact is, however, prevented bythestop S. In the return movement of the universal bar L an oppositerocking movement will be imparted to the frame L, which will initiallyrock the arm R back into contact with the contact S.

With the construction as thus far described the electric circuits arecompleted from the telegraph-line to the contact S, through thecooperating contact R, to the metallic fulcrum-bar and through thelatter to each of the levers supported thereon. These levers 4are inelectric connection with the cylinder (t, the metallic ends of whichengage with bearings in the bifurcation c, and thus each of thering-contacts c will be in electric connection with the line. Upon thedepression of one of the levers its contact member F will be caused totravel over the universal contact-bar G, so as to successively contactthe rings c with said bar. This movement will not, however, complete theelectric circuit, for the reason that in the initial movement of thelever the bar L will be depressed, rocking the frame L and throughfrictional engagement the arm R, so as to withdraw the contact R fromthe contact S and break the circuit in advance of the contact of themember F with the universal contact G. The contacts R and S aremaintained separate until the downward movement of the lever D iscompleted; butas soon as the lever is released and begins to rise anopposite rocking movement will be imparted to the arm R, which willinitially close the contact R against the contact S. This will completethe electric circuit at that point and permit the ring c on the contactF to successively complete the circuit between said member F and thecontact-bar G. The latter bar being electrically connected with theground or return circuit, it is evident that a succession of electricimpulses will be transmitted by the passage of the contact member Fupward over the bar G.

lt has been already stated that the levers D are depressed by thecorresponding key-levers of the type-Writer. Inasmuch, however, as theupward movement of the levers D is effected by the tension of thespring' M operating through the universal bar L, it is necessary toprovide means for governing the upward movement of said bar in orderthat the signals may not be transmitted more rapidly than they can bereceived at the opposite end of the line. For governing this action aretarding device is provided, which, as shown, comprises the dash-pot T,containing oil or other fluid, a piston in said dash-pot, and means forrestricting' the flow of oil from one side to the other of said pistonduring its movement in the dash-pot. The piston is connected to an armL3.l connected to the universal bar L, and an adjustable means isprovided for varying the restriction in the dash-pot, such as theadjusting-screw T. Thus in operation by adjusting' the screw Tl theupward movement of the piston in the dash-pot may be regulated, and thelatter will control the movement of the universal bar L, which returnsthe keys D, so as to regulate the speed with which the signals aretransmitted TOO The instrument as described is adapted for use in thesimultaneous transmission of messages and writing of the same upon thetypewriter. Itis desirable, however, to use the same type-writer forwriting the messages received as well as the messages transmitted. lhave therefore provided means by which the transmitting' mechanism maybe lowered out of operative relation to the keys of the typewriter.This, as shown, comprises the lever U, arranged at one side of the baseA and connected with the frame I., which supports the levers D. Thislever is normally held in its raised position by engagement with thestop f on the side ofthe base A, but may be disengaged from said stop byspring-ing the same laterally. flien disengaged, the lever may bedepressed, which permits the frame .l to drop downward until the stems Eare withdrawn from the path of the key-levers of the type-Writer. At thesame time the telegraph-circuit is closed, so as to permit the receivinginstrument to be operated in receiving messages from the other end ofthe line. This closing of the circuit may be effected by a rock-arm V,secured to the axle A, which carries at its outer end a contact-plug V',slidably engaging the walls of the U-shaped plate X, secured to theframe IIO IIS

A and having connected thereto the insulated contacts W and Z, extendinginwardly through slotted portions of the plate X and adapted to bealternately connected with the contact-plug B. The movement of the axleJ causes the rear end of the arm V to move upward when the transmitteris lowered out of operative contact with the keys and downward whenraised into its operative contact, one end of the plug Vl constantlycontacting' with the plate X and the opposite end alternately connectingwith the contacts W and Z. Following the circuit when the arm V israised (and the transmitter lowered out of operative contact with thekeys of the type-writer) the circuit i'ollows lines through A A to W,thence through plug V to X. When, on the other hand, the larm V islowered, (and the transmitter is adjusted into operative contact withthe typewriter,) the circuit follows lines through A A, U U, S, R, D, G,Q, V V, and Z, thence through plug Vl to X.

The construction being as shown and described, in operation thetype-writer, such as A', may be placed in position above the frame A,being held thereon by the guides B and supported by the lugs C. In thisposition each ot' the key-levers D of the type-writer is in proximity toone ot' the stems E of the levers D. The operator may then manipulatethe keys ot' the type-writer in the ordinary manner to write out themessage, with the result that as each key is depressed the correspondinglever D will be depressed, moving the interrupted contact F over thecontactbar A As has been stated, the initial movement ot' the levers Dwill cause the breaking of the contact R from the contact S, so that theelectric circuit is open during the passage ot' the contact F over thecontact G. The return movement will initially close the contacts R andS, so that in the passage of the interrupted contact F over' thecontact-bar G there will be a predetermined succession ot' make andbreaks in the electric circuit.

When the operator desires to Vreceive the message, the level U isdisengaged from the contact f and lowered to depress the frame I, whichwill carry allot' the stems E out 'ot' operative relation to thekey-levers D ot' the type-writer. At the same time the movement of therock-arm V will cause the contact V to close with the contact W, whichwill complete the electric circuit. The message may then be received onthe ordinary receiver and written down on the type-writer.

Should the operator desire to send any signal not indicated by one ofthe keys otl the instrument, he may do so by using a fingerkey w,arranged at one side ot' the keyboard, which on being depressed contactswith the contact G to close the circuit. This key is normally held inraised position by the tension of a spring w', where it is out ofcontact -with the bar G.

Should any of the contacts F become worn through use, by slightlyrotating the contact a new line of bearing on the cooperating contact Gis given. Should the bar G itselt'become worn, it may be adjusted byshifting the pivots O laterally, and this may be accomplished by formingsaid pivots with a screw-thread engagement with bearings O on the baseA, a lock-nut O2 serving to lock the pivots in different positions ofadjustment.

Where it is desired to use the instrument as a signal-transmitterwithout the employment of-a type-writer, this may be done by engagingdetachable finger-tips E' with each of the stems E, said stems beingprovided with sockets in their ends and the tips E having Shanks E3 forengaging said sockets.

What I claim as my invention is 1. In an electric signal-transmitter thecombination with a contact member of a cooperating interrupted contactmember comprising a metallic cylinder having annular grooves thereintilled with insulating material, and means for moving said cylinderaxially over the other contact.

2. The combination with abase having bearings thereon i'or positioningand supporting a type-writer, ot' a signal-transmitter within said base,a series otl interrupted contacts and cooperating contacts each arrangedbelow the keys and adapted to be reciprocated by the corresponding keyof the type-writer to transmit a predetermined succession of electricimpulses, -and means for simultaneously throwing the whole series ofinterrupted contacts in or out ot' mechanical actuating connection withsaid type-writer.

3. In a signal-transmitter the combination with an interrupted contact,a lever, a cooperating contact at one end of said lever adapted t'orrelative reciprocation, to transmit a predetermined succession ofelectric impulses, ot' means for opening the electric circuit by theinitial movement ot' the reciprocatory contact in one direction, and forclosing said circuit by the initial movement in the opposite directionwhereby one series only is transmitted during the reciprocation.

4. In a signal-transmitter, the combination with a series of interruptedcontacts, and a universal cooperating contact adapted for relativereciprocation to transmit a predetermined succession of electricalimpulses, of independent means operating upon the initial I movement ofeach of said contacts in one direction to open the electric circuit, andoperating upon the initial movement of said contacts in the oppositedirection to close said circuit.

5. In a signal-transmitter, the combination with a series ot'reciprocatory interrupted contacts, and a universal cooperating contactot' IOO IIO

a universal bar mechanical-ly actuated upon the movement of any one ofsaid contacts, a circuit-closer operated by the initial movement of saiduniversal bar to open the electric circuit, and actuated the initial byreturn movement of said bar to close said circuit.

6. In a signal-transmitter, the combination with a series of levers ofan interrupted contact carried by each lever, and a universalcooperating contact over which said interrupted contact is adapted totravel in the movement of the lever to transmit a predeterminedsuccession of electric impulses, of a universal bar actuated by thedepression of any one of said levers, a contact frictionally actuated bysaid universal bar, and a cooperating contact, and a stop between whichsaid contact is reciprocated in the movement of said bar whereby theelectric circuit is broken on the initial depression of each of saidlevers, and is closed upon the initial return movement thereof.

7. In an electric signal-transmitter,the combination of an interruptedcontact, a cooperating contact adapted for relative reciprocation, saidcontact being adjustable laterally of the direction of reciprocation toalter the line of contact, and means for limiting said lateral movement.

8. An electric signal-transmitter the combination of an interruptedcontact and a cooperating' contact adapted for relative reciprocation,the one being' rotatably adjustable in relation to the other to alterthe line of contact.

9. In an electric signal-transmitter the combination of an interruptedand cooperating contact adapted for relative reciprocation one of saidcontacts being rotatably adjustable and the other contact beingadjustable laterally ofthe direction of reciprocation whereby the lineof contact may be changed.

10. In an electric signal-transmitter, the

combination with a Contact member, of a cooperating interrupted contactmember comprisingI a cylinder movable axially over the other contact andformed of conducting material, having annular grooves therein forforming interruptions, said cylinder being rotatably adjustable tochange the line ol contact.

11. 1n an electric signal-transmitter the combination with a contactmember of a cooperatinginterrupted contact member comprising a metalliccylinder having' annular grooves therein lilled with insulating materialand means for movingsaid cylinder axially over the other contactpermitting of a rotative adjustment of the cylinder to alter the line ofcontact.

12. In asig'nal-transmitter the combination with a bifurcated lever of acylindrical contact member journaled at its opposite ends in thebifurcations of said lever adapted to travel axially in the movement ofsaid lever, said cylinder being' provided with a series of annulargrooves forming interruptions in the surface thereof, and a cooperatingcontact over which said cylinder is drawn in the movement of the lever.

13. In a signal-transmitter the combination ot' a lever I) having theend e of the interrupted contact F having' the annular grooves b thereinto form a series of contact-rings c the ends of said cylinder beingrotatively secured in the furcations of the lever.

14. In a signal-transmitter, the combination ot a series ofsignal-transmitting levers having upwardly-extending hollow stemsadapted to be operated by corresponding key-levers of a superimposedtype-writer,means for spacing said key-levers from said stems, and aseries of detachable finger-tips for engagement with said stems aftersaid spacing operation.

15. In an electric signal-transmitter, the combination with a contactmember, of a cooperating interrupted contact member, including arotatably-adjustable cylindrical member movable axially over the othercontact.

16. In an electric signal-transmitter, the combination with anadjustable contact member, of a coperati ng interru pted contact memberincluding a rotatable adjustable cylindrical member movable axially overthe other contact.

17. In an electric signal-transmitter, the combination with a contactmember, of a lever, and a cooperating interrupted contact member,comprising a rotatably-adjustable cylindrical member, detachablyconnected to said lever and movable axially over the complementarycontact.

18. In al combined type-writer and electric transmitter, the combinationwith operatingkeys for the typewriter, of a transmitter therebelow,including a plurality of levers having upwardly-extended stemsintermediate their ends in line with the several typewriter keys andadapted to be actuated thereby, a contact at one end of the leversadapted to be reciprocated across the'path of a universal contact, andan electric connection operatively associated with the opposite end ofsaid levers.

19. In a combined type-writer and transmitter, the combination withoperating-keys for the type-writer, of a transmitter therebelowincluding a plurality of levers having upwardly-extended stemsintermediate their ends in line with the several type-writer keys andadapted to be vertically reciprocated thereby, a laterally adjustableuniversal contact arranged in the path of one end of the levers andcooperating contacts at the adjacent ends of said levers.

20. In a combined type-writer and transmitter, the combination ofoperating-keys for the type-writer, a transmitter therebelow, includinga plurality ot' levers having upwardlyextended stems intermediate theirends in line with the several keys, and adapted to be actuated thereby,and means whereby all of said IOO lIO

IIS

below and out of operative engagement with said keys, and complementarydetachable keys for said stems for operating the same after being spacedbelow the key connections.

In testimony whereof I atx my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CYRUS H. HEPINSTALL.

Witnesses:

JAMES B. HILL, C. V. MARTIN.

